Overview

The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA), established in 1980, is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to public education and training to support the growth of solar energy in the greater Philadelphia area and across the state. Incorporated as a tax deductible, 501 c-3 corporation in 1998, PSEA has been a volunteer-based, member-supported organization for 40 years. Its primary focus is environmental education and training, to advance the understanding and use of solar energy in Pennsylvania. PSEA has sponsored the Junior Solar Sprint every year since 1994. This environmental education and engagement program is open to all middle and junior high schools in the Philadelphia region. The Solar Sprint program has helped inspire hundreds of Philadelphia-area youth to pursue advanced education and careers in the sciences over the past 28 years. The Junior Solar Sprint has proven to be an excellent way to get middle school students excited about solar energy, electric vehicles, renewable energy and science, in general. PSEA is expanding on the Solar Sprint to build out an engaging solar energy learning program for middle and high school. This includes science curriculum for 5th and 6th grades, experiential learning activities using the Solar House on Wheels, solar cookers, solar chargers and other tools and materials. PSEA is working with a rapidly expanding number of universities, colleges and industry partners to improve science and technology education and help prepare our young people for a clean energy future. Our 5th grade curriculum takes a dive into solar energy and helps students understand how solar can help us address climate change. We are increasingly working to help put solar on schools as well as solar in schools. PSEA also works to make solar affordable to all through improved workforce development, technical training and public policy.